Cities in Sound Audio Walks
Cities in Sound specialize in audio walks to allow you to explore independently. The London audio walks include interesting facts along with interviews, music and a free map. I've tried four of the Cities in Sound London audio walks (there are more) and can recommend them.
All of the walks include good safety advice - remember, you are in a city - and, generally, clear instructions including where to cross, which side of the road to be on, etc. There is no unnecessary silly music and the timing is paced well, although I would allow longer for each walk than suggested as you'll want to stop at so many places.
I don't smoke but Nic Wing, Cities in Sound's founder, does so he knows about the best Cuban cigar shops in London.
For the non-smokers there's still plenty to to see on this walk around Mayfair and St. James's including where the Beatles played their last live performance, London's smallest public square, film locations and a Henry Moore frieze.
For the smokers, I like the advice on where to stop and buy a cigar and then the next section of the walk is timed so you could either finish it before the next stop, or an alternative route is offered so you could smoke for longer.
The dates, facts and history on this walk were all fascinating and it helpfully gives you ideas on what to do at the end of the walk.More »
This is a 'must see' part of town so this audio walk should appeal to visitors and Londoners.
There are two narrators who share facts and insights into the history of this famous market area. I enjoyed hearing about Eliza Doolittle and the My Fair Lady connection to the area, as well as discovering more about the Royal Opera House, a venue which I would have thought was intimidating but I now want to visit.
You'll also hear about theatre ghost stories and visit a churchyard so there's a lot more to this area than you may first think.More »
The Guard Change ceremony works to a strict timetable so be prepared to follow the audio walk's timings well to find out more about this popular spectacle.
The walk is narrated by an ex-Scots Guard which is an excellent bonus as he truly knows about the event. Clear instructions help you be at the right places, and at the righttimes, to make the most of the ceremony which can seem confusing withoutthese insights.
As well as seeing the Guard Change you'll learn how to recognize each regiment and how to know if the Queen is at her "office", as she calls Buckingham Palace.More »
There are 33 bridges over the 23 miles of the Thames from Hampton Court to Tower Bridge, but don't worry. This walk focuses on a section of central London bridges which have wonderful views and plenty of history from Big Ben to Tower Bridge. The two narrators have based much of the walk on the book London's Bridges ().
You'll find out which bridge is the longest and which gets the name 'Ladies Bridge' as so many women were involved with the construction.
I like the tips on where to get the best photos as this is an excellent walk to take in many of London's iconic locations.More »
All of the walks include good safety advice - remember, you are in a city - and, generally, clear instructions including where to cross, which side of the road to be on, etc. There is no unnecessary silly music and the timing is paced well, although I would allow longer for each walk than suggested as you'll want to stop at so many places.
•Cuban Cigar Walk London
I don't smoke but Nic Wing, Cities in Sound's founder, does so he knows about the best Cuban cigar shops in London.
For the non-smokers there's still plenty to to see on this walk around Mayfair and St. James's including where the Beatles played their last live performance, London's smallest public square, film locations and a Henry Moore frieze.
For the smokers, I like the advice on where to stop and buy a cigar and then the next section of the walk is timed so you could either finish it before the next stop, or an alternative route is offered so you could smoke for longer.
The dates, facts and history on this walk were all fascinating and it helpfully gives you ideas on what to do at the end of the walk.More »
•Covent Garden
This is a 'must see' part of town so this audio walk should appeal to visitors and Londoners.
There are two narrators who share facts and insights into the history of this famous market area. I enjoyed hearing about Eliza Doolittle and the My Fair Lady connection to the area, as well as discovering more about the Royal Opera House, a venue which I would have thought was intimidating but I now want to visit.
You'll also hear about theatre ghost stories and visit a churchyard so there's a lot more to this area than you may first think.More »
•Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace
The Guard Change ceremony works to a strict timetable so be prepared to follow the audio walk's timings well to find out more about this popular spectacle.
The walk is narrated by an ex-Scots Guard which is an excellent bonus as he truly knows about the event. Clear instructions help you be at the right places, and at the righttimes, to make the most of the ceremony which can seem confusing withoutthese insights.
As well as seeing the Guard Change you'll learn how to recognize each regiment and how to know if the Queen is at her "office", as she calls Buckingham Palace.More »
•London Bridges
There are 33 bridges over the 23 miles of the Thames from Hampton Court to Tower Bridge, but don't worry. This walk focuses on a section of central London bridges which have wonderful views and plenty of history from Big Ben to Tower Bridge. The two narrators have based much of the walk on the book London's Bridges ().
You'll find out which bridge is the longest and which gets the name 'Ladies Bridge' as so many women were involved with the construction.
I like the tips on where to get the best photos as this is an excellent walk to take in many of London's iconic locations.More »
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